Sports

Always a pressure cooker, the goal crease fairly sizzled for Dan Cloutier in May of 1993.

Following an injury to Soo Greyhounds netminder Kevin Hodson, Cloutier, a highly-regarded but untested 16-year-old rookie, was handed the starter's mantle midway through the Ontario Hockey League championship series.

The Hounds, already assured of hosting rights for the Memorial Cup, lost the series in five games. But that was little fault of Cloutier's, who gained both respect and valuable experience during his time in the fire.

"Some junior players go four years and never get the chance to do something like that," said Cloutier, now 33, who was in the Sault this past weekend for a reunion of the 1993 Memorial Cup team. "To come in as an underage player and get the opportunity to play in the OHL finals, that was memorable."

Cloutier feels that start set him on the path to later success, which saw the native of Mont-Laurier, Que. play parts 10 seasons in the NHL before his career was derailed by injuries.

"I feel I was one of the luckier guys, to come in as an underage player and get the chance to watch and learn from guys like Kevin Hodson and Rick Kowalsky, real leaders," Cloutier said.

Fans who rooted for the six-foot-one, 185-pound puck-stopper during his four years with the Hounds will hope he has retained some of the determination which his early mentors passed on, as he tries to resurrect his career.

Cloutier, the Vancouver Canucks' No. 1 goalie from 2001 to 2004, has undergone two hip surgeries in three years and has been out of action since the 2007-08 season.

Signed by the Los Angeles Kings in early 2008, he made nine starts for that team before being injured again and had his contract bought out.

In 351 NHL games, he is 139-142-33-4, with a 2.77 goals-against average, .899 save percentage and 15 shutouts.

"I'm just trying to get healthy now," Cloutier said. "It's been a tough two or three years, with injuries and two hip surgeries. But I'm focused that I'll be back sooner or later.

"I truly believe I can still play hockey somewhere, whether it's in North America or maybe in Europe."

Cloutier and his wife Nikki, a Sault native, welcomed their daughter Kali into the world 18 months ago.

Cloutier says his family lives "all over the place," but nowhere far enough from the Sault to keep him away from the reunion celebration.

One of 22 players to converge on the city for the event, Cloutier took part in a reception Friday night at Boston Pizza, a charity game Saturday at Soo Pee Wee Arena and a dance Saturday night at the Elks Hall.

Some also played a round of golf on Sunday.

"As soon as this came up, it seemed like a great chance for us to see each other," Cloutier said. "It's been a long time, but once we get in the same room, it could be weeks, or even days ago.